Authorities say Poitra failed to properly care for her infant son and seek necessary medical attention, leading to his death in the summer of 2011.

U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson says the infant was sent home from the hospital, and Poitra was given strict instructions for his care including monitoring, medication and a specialized machine and formula.

Johnson says she failed to provide the care, which resulted in extreme malnourishment, dehydration and ultimately pneumonia.